Samacheer Kalvi Class 8 English Solutions Chapter 5 When Instinct Works

A. Comprehension:

I. Choose the best option.

Question 1. The season mentioned in the story is ..................... .
(a) spring
(b) autumn
(c) summer
(d) winter.
Answer: (c) summer
In simple words: The story takes place during the summer season. This detail sets the time frame for the events in the story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive details like seasons or weather, as they often provide context or hints for later events in a story.

Question 2. In one low part of the road the ..................... was halfway up to black beauty's knees.
(a) the river
(b) dust
(c) water
(d) leaves
Answer: (c) water
In simple words: The road had a low spot where the water was deep enough to reach Black Beauty's knees, showing it was flooded. This suggests there was a lot of rain.

🎯 Exam Tip: Fill-in-the-blank questions often test your understanding of key environmental details or plot points in the narrative.

Question 3. The bridge was broken in the ..................... .
(a) front
(b) rear
(c) middle
(d) up
Answer: (c) middle
In simple words: The bridge was broken right in its middle part, making it unsafe to cross. This is a crucial detail for the story's climax.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about damaged structures, like a broken bridge, are important plot points that create obstacles for characters.

Question 4. The instinct in ..................... had often saved the lives of men.
(a) girls
(b) animals
(c) birds
(d) boys
Answer: (b) animals
In simple words: The story highlights how animals' natural instinct has often helped save people from danger. Animals sometimes sense things that humans don't.

🎯 Exam Tip: This question emphasizes the central theme of the story, which is often about the wisdom and intuition of animals.

Question 5. Black beauty dared not move even to the sharp snap of the ..................... .
(a) stick
(b) thread
(c) whip
(d) kick.
Answer: (c) whip
In simple words: Black Beauty refused to move, even when urged with a whip, because it sensed danger. This shows the horse's strong intuition.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character actions that go against normal behavior, like a horse refusing to move even when whipped, often signal an important turning point or revelation.

II. Match the following:

Question II. Match the following items:

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, read both columns carefully. Look for keywords or direct connections from the text to make the correct pairs. If unsure, eliminate the pairs you know are wrong first.

III. Fill in the blanks. (Text Book Page No. 147)

Question 1. Just then, the man at the ..................... on the other side ran out,. ..................... a torch.
Answer: tollgate, flashing
In simple words: The person working at the tollgate on the other side came out and was flashing a torch. This action was a warning sign.

🎯 Exam Tip: Fill-in-the-blank questions often test your memory of specific actions or locations mentioned in the story. Visualize the scene to help recall the words.

Question 2. Even when John tried to ..................... him forward Beauty did not move.
Answer: lean
In simple words: John tried to push Black Beauty forward by leaning on him, but the horse still refused to move. This shows the horse's strong determination.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a character performs an unexpected action, like a horse refusing commands, it's usually a key moment in the plot. Remember the specific verbs used to describe these actions.

Question 3. We were saved because Beauty had known that something was ..................... with the bridge
Answer: wrong
In simple words: Black Beauty saved everyone because it sensed that there was something incorrect or unsafe with the bridge. Its instinct warned them of danger.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the main reason for a key event (like being saved) is crucial. Identify the cause and effect in the narrative.

Question 4. Suddenly an ..................... tree came crashing down and fell right in front of us.
Answer: oak
In simple words: An oak tree suddenly fell down directly in front of them. This was another dangerous event that happened on their journey.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific details like the type of tree (oak) can be important for recalling the full description of a scene.

Question 5. He told that the bridge had just broken due to the ..................... .
Answer: flood
In simple words: The person explained that the bridge had broken because of the heavy flood. The flood waters were too strong for the bridge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect environmental conditions (like a flood) with their consequences (like a broken bridge) to understand the story's events.

Question 6. As we went through the wood, the ..................... of the trees were swaying and making a ..................... rushing sound.
Answer: branches, terrible
In simple words: As they moved through the forest, the tree branches were swaying a lot and making a loud, scary rushing sound. The strong wind caused this unsettling noise.

🎯 Exam Tip: Descriptive words (like 'branches' and 'terrible rushing sound') help create a vivid picture of the atmosphere in the story.

Question 7. A little later, when we reached the bridge Beauty came to a ..................... .
Answer: sudden stop
In simple words: When they arrived at the bridge, Black Beauty abruptly stopped. This was the first sign that the bridge was not safe.

🎯 Exam Tip: A "sudden stop" by an animal often signals danger, especially when it's unexpected, like Black Beauty's actions.

Question 8. When we started back from the town, it was late in the ..................... . The wind was much ..................... .
Answer: afternoon, stronger
In simple words: It was late in the afternoon when they started their journey back from town. The wind had become much more powerful and intense by then.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how the weather conditions change throughout the story, as they often reflect or contribute to the unfolding events.

Question 9. John said we must go back to the ....................., find another way to the wooden ..................... .
Answer: crossways, bridge
In simple words: John decided they needed to return to the crossways to find a different path to reach the wooden bridge. This was their alternate plan after finding the bridge broken.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding character decisions and their reasons for taking alternative routes is important for tracing the plot. "Crossways" refers to a junction or intersection of paths.

Question 10. Oh! What a good ..................... he gave me that night. And then a really thick ..................... .
Answer: supper, bed of straw
In simple words: That night, he gave me a very nice evening meal and a thick bed made of straw. This was a reward for Black Beauty's bravery.

🎯 Exam Tip: Details about comfort or rewards for characters often appear at the end of a challenging event, highlighting relief and safety.

IV. Based on your understanding of the story write the answers for the following questions in a sentence or two.

Question 1. Did Black Beauty like to pull the cart?
Answer: Yes, Black Beauty liked pulling the cart. It was very light, and its high wheels moved smoothly, which made it easy to pull. Black Beauty enjoyed working when the conditions were good.
In simple words: Yes, Black Beauty liked to pull the cart because it was light and its wheels rolled easily.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering about a character's feelings, clearly state "yes" or "no" first, then provide a brief reason from the story.

Question 2. How was the weather?
Answer: The weather was rainy and windy. The rain had made the river swell, and the wind was strong, causing the tree branches to sway. This created a very challenging environment for travel.
In simple words: The weather was rainy and windy.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about weather, mention all relevant conditions. These details often explain why other events in the story happened.

Question 3. Describe the bridge?
Answer: The bridge was a low wooden structure with strong rails on both sides. It was built across the river at the same level as the high river banks. However, it was damaged by the flood.
In simple words: The bridge was a low wooden one with strong rails on its sides and it was level with the river banks.

🎯 Exam Tip: To describe an object like a bridge, include details about its material, structure, and position relative to its surroundings.

Question 4. What was the alternate plan suggested by John to reach the wooden bridge?
Answer: John suggested that they must go back to the four crossways. From there, it would be about six miles to reach the wooden bridge by a different path. This was the safer route to take after finding the original bridge broken.
In simple words: John's plan was to go back to the crossways and take a different, six-mile-long path to reach the wooden bridge.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a problem arises in a story, pay attention to the solutions or alternative plans that characters propose.

Question 5. Why was Black Beauty reluctant to cross the bridge?
Answer: Black Beauty was unwilling to cross the bridge because the moment its feet touched the ground, it sensed something was wrong with the bridge. The horse's instinct told it the bridge was not safe. This intuition saved them from danger.
In simple words: Black Beauty did not want to cross the bridge because it felt that something was wrong and unsafe with it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the character's motivation. For Black Beauty, its strong intuition and sense of danger are key aspects of its character.

V. Write the answers to the following questions in 100 words.

Question 1. What did the man at the toll gate on the other side tell them?
Answer: The man at the toll gate on the other side gave them a vital warning. He told them that the river was rising very fast due to the heavy rain. More importantly, he informed them that the bridge had broken in the middle. The floodwaters had carried away a part of it, making it completely unsafe to cross. His quick information saved them from riding onto a damaged bridge. This warning was crucial for their safety.
In simple words: The toll gate man warned them that the river was rising quickly and the bridge was broken in the middle because of the flood.

🎯 Exam Tip: Long answer questions require including all important details. Ensure you mention both the rising river and the broken bridge, and the impact of this information.

Question 2. Was Black Beauty afraid to cross the bridge?
Answer: No, Black Beauty was not afraid to cross the bridge in the usual sense of fear. Instead, it knew there was a serious problem with the bridge. The horse sensed that the bridge was damaged and therefore not safe to cross. Its instinct and deep understanding of danger made it stop, not simple fear. It was more about an intelligent refusal to proceed into a perilous situation. This powerful intuition is a key trait of Black Beauty.
In simple words: No, Black Beauty was not simply afraid. It sensed that the bridge was unsafe and had a problem, so it refused to cross using its strong instinct.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between simple fear and intuitive knowledge. Black Beauty's actions show intelligence and instinct, not cowardice.

Question 3. What did John think about human's attitude toward animals?
Answer: John believed that God has given animals special knowledge or instincts to sense dangers. He felt that humans often underestimate this natural wisdom in animals. After Black Beauty saved them from the broken bridge, John's belief was further strengthened. He understood that animals have an innate ability to perceive things that humans might miss, especially regarding safety and the environment. This made him realize the importance of trusting animal instincts. He deeply respected animals for this gift.
In simple words: John thought God gave animals special knowledge to sense danger, which humans often don't appreciate enough.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing a character's beliefs, provide specific examples or events from the story that support or reveal those beliefs.

Question 4. What would have happened to all the three if Black Beauty had not been wiser?
Answer: If Black Beauty had not been wiser and followed John's command to cross the broken bridge, all three of them—John, the narrator, and Black Beauty itself—would have been drowned. The bridge was damaged by the flood, and crossing it would have led them straight into the raging water. Black Beauty's superior instinct and refusal to move saved their lives from certain death. Its wisdom prevented a terrible accident. This shows how crucial animal intelligence can be in dangerous situations.
In simple words: If Black Beauty hadn't been so smart, all three of them would have drowned in the flood at the broken wooden bridge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Think about the consequences of different actions in the story. This type of question asks you to consider a "what if" scenario and its outcome.

VI. How will you take care of your pet? Write about in fifty words.

Question VI. How will you take care of your pet? Write about in fifty words.
Answer: I would treat my pet with as much care as I treat myself. This means regularly cleaning my pet and its living space to keep it healthy. I would ensure it gets nutritious food every day. Besides physical care, I would also teach it good manners and take it for walks. For its health, I would visit the veterinary doctor monthly for check-ups and never let it eat unhealthy food. A pet needs lots of love and attention.
In simple words: I will care for my pet like myself, feeding it healthy food, cleaning it and its space, taking it on walks, and visiting the vet regularly.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a personal response about pet care, include details about diet, hygiene, exercise, training, and veterinary check-ups to cover all essential aspects.

Step to Success

Coding-Decoding verbal reasoning.

Question 1. In a certain code language, if Violet is called as Green, Green is called as Red, Red is called as Brown, Brown is called as Orange, Orange is called as Yellow, Yellow is called as Blue, and Blue is called as Indigo, then what is the colour of human blood in that language?
(a) Red
(b) Blue
(c) Green
(d) Violet
(e) Brown
Answer: (e) Brown
In simple words: Blood is naturally red, but in this special code, the color "Red" is called "Brown". So, the blood's color in this code is Brown.

🎯 Exam Tip: For coding questions, first identify the actual object (human blood is red). Then, find what that actual color is *called* in the given code, not what it *calls* something else.

Question 2. In a certain code language, if Pen means Eraser, Eraser means Book, Book means Scale, Scale means Sharpener, Sharpener means Duster and Duster means Table, then what is the name of the object that is used to clean the blackboard in that language?
(a) Duster
(b) Sharpener
(c) Table
(d) Scale
(e) Book
Answer: (c) Table
In simple words: A duster is normally used to clean a blackboard. In this special language, a "Duster" is called a "Table." So, the answer is Table.

🎯 Exam Tip: These puzzles test your logical mapping. Always find the real-world object first (duster), then trace its coded name (table).

Question 3. In a certain code language, if Bread is called Butter, Butter is called Milk, Milk is called Shirt, Shirt is called Shoe, Shoe is called Bicycle, Bicycle is called Watch, Watch is called Aeroplane and Aeroplane is called Ship, then which of the following indicates the time in that language?
(a) Watch
(b) Bicycle
(c) Milk
(d) Ship
(e) Aeroplane
Answer: (e) Aeroplane
In simple words: We usually use a "Watch" to tell time. In this code, "Watch" is called "Aeroplane." So, "Aeroplane" indicates time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful not to pick the wrong step in the chain. Always pinpoint the original object (watch), then its coded translation (aeroplane).

Connecting to Self (Text Book Page No. 149)

Question. Put a √ for the do's and put a X for dont's.
Answer: The task is to review various pictures and mark actions that are safe ("do's") with a checkmark (✓) and actions that are dangerous ("don'ts") with a cross mark (X). For example, "Picture - 1 We should stop and carefully cross. ✓" is a 'do'. "Picture - 2 Taking self! in front of a running train is dangerous. X" is a 'don't'. This exercise helps us learn about safety in everyday life by identifying good and bad behaviors.
In simple words: You need to look at each picture and mark safe actions with a checkmark (✓) and unsafe actions with a cross mark (X).

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating actions for safety, consider both immediate and potential long-term risks. Always prioritize actions that promote well-being and avoid harm.

When Instinct Works Summary in English

The horse was harnessed to the new cart. On a rainy day, the horse was taken out. The river was in spate. The horse was taken on the wooden bridge. Suddenly the horse stopped. It refused to go forward. At that time man shouted them to stop. The bridge was broken in the middle. Part of the bridge had been carried away by the flood. The instinct of the horse saved the lives of men.

When Instinct Works Summary in Tamil

குதிரை வண்டியில் பூட்டப்பட்டது. ஒரு மழை நாளில், குதிரை வெளியே அழைத்துச் செல்லப்படுகிறது. நதி வெள்ளத்தில் பொங்கி கொண்டிருந்தது. குதிரை மரப்பாலத்தில் மீது சென்று கொண்டு இருந்தது. திடீரென குதிரை நின்றது. முன்னேறிச் செல்ல குதிரை மறுத்தது. அப்போது நிற்கும்படி ஒரு மனிதன் கத்தினான். மரப்பாலம் நடுவழியில் உடைந்து விட்டது. பாலத்தின் ஒரு பகுதி வெள்ளத்தில் அடித்து செல்லப்பட்டது. குதிரையின் உள்ளுணர்வு, மனிதர்கள் உயிரை காப்பாற்றியது.

When Instinct Works About the Author in English

Anna Sewell was an English writer of children's classic 'Black Beauty. Although it has to be treated as a children's book, it was originally meant for those who took care of horses. She talks about kindness, sympathy and understanding in the treatment of horses.

When Instinct Works About the Author in Tamil

அன்னா சீயுல் குழந்தைகளுக்கான புத்தகம் எழுதும் எழுத்தாளர் ஆவாார். "Black Beauty" அவரது சிறந்த புத்தகம் ஆகும். ஆரம்பத்தில் இந்த கதை, குதிரையின் காப்பாளர்களுக்கு உரியது என்று நினைக்கப்பட்டது. அன்னா, குதிரைகளை கையாளும்போது நாம் காட்ட வேண்டிய அன்பு, கருணை, புரிதல் போன்ற நற்குணங்கள் பற்றிச் சொல்லுகிறார்.